Glacier Basin - 6.2 Miles Round-Trip

Glacier Basin (5,945') is located 3.1 miles from Glacier Basin Campground in Mount Rainier National Park. This moderate trail follows an old mining road through mid-elevation forests into subalpine meadows at the base of Inter Glacier, one of two standard climbing routes on Rainier.

Though the trail officially ends at Glacier Basin Camp, a well-defined path continues .75 miles to the base of the glacier. Note that hiking on the glacier can be hazardous - only experienced and equipped climbers should travel beyond this point:

The trail heads west on a mild grade over Inter Fork, which joins the White River near the campground. It moves fast in a nondescript forest to panoramas of Rainier, Goat Island Mt and the White River just before reaching the Emmons Moraine Trail split (1.05 miles : 4,845').

This is a compelling side trip with views of Emmons Glacier, which forms the White River and has the largest area of any glacier in the lower 48. The GBT continues through intervals of timber and clearings along the creek to the Burroughs Mountain Trail split (2.55 miles : 5,515').

Here grades steepen across open, flower-covered slopes to Glacier Basin Camp (3.05 miles). Pass through several campsites to the End of Maintained Trail sign on the edge of Glacier Basin (3.1 miles : 5,945'). The trail - which despite its designation is very well defined - leads into expansive subalpine meadows with terrific views of the upper valley.

Social trails branch down to Inter Fork, a wide cobbled creek channel formed by Inter Glacier. The main trail, which braids in several places but favors high banks over the creek, rises sharply into the upper valley.

It scales a steep narrow ridge (The Wedge) high over the creek (3.5 miles : 6,252'), which can be precarious with snow cover. Once off the ridge grades moderate into a moonscape of scattered boulders and streams at the base of Inter Glacier (3.75 miles : 6,650').

Inter Glacier is classified as a cirque glacier, a smaller type which forms in bowl-shaped basins at the head of a valley. Cirque glaciers are usually remnants of much larger valley glaciers, such as Carbon, Emmons and Nisqually.

The subalpine and alpine meadows of Glacier Basin are very fragile and have a short growing season - remain on designated trails and existing paths to minimize impact.

Camping and Backpacking Information

Permits and current trail conditions are available at all wilderness information centers, visitor centers and ranger stations (360.569.2211).

Camp only in sites designated on your itinerary. Fires are not permitted anywhere in the backcountry.

All trail-side camps have primitive toilets, marked sites, poles for hanging food and a nearby water source.

Cross-Country Zone Camping: there are no maintained trails, campsites or amenities in cross-country zones. Camp at least 1/4 mile away from any road or established trail, and 100' from water sources. Cross-country camping is not permitted for those hiking the complete Wonderland Trail.

Summer Party Size Limit (May 15th - September 30th): 5 people per individual site or cross-country zone designation. Families are an exception to this rule (parents + children).

Winter Party Size Limit (October 1 - May 14th): 12 people per individual site or cross-country zone designation.

Groups (defined as 6 - 12 people) are permitted in 25 designated sites throughout the park, and when camping on snow in Alpine Zones.

Climbing Permits are required year-round for any day or overnight travel on glaciers or above 10,000', including Little Tahoma. The Climbing Permit also serves as the wilderness camping permit for overnight trips. Wilderness Camping Permits are free while a Climbing Permit requires the purchase of an annual Climbing Pass for each member of the party.

Rules and Regulations

Pets and Bikes are not permitted on hiking trails or climbing routes in Mount Rainier National Park.

Fires are not permitted in the backcountry in Mount Rainier National Park.

Directions to Trailhead

Glacier Basin Trailhead is located 5.8 miles from the White River Entrance Station in Mount Rainier National Park. Drive 4.4 miles from the entrance station and turn left into the Glacier Basin Campground. Drive slow on this narrow, busy road.

Continue 1.2 miles to the Picnic - Climber Parking Area on the left. Park here and walk .2 miles to the trailhead at the very far end of the campground. Do not park in spaces near the trailhead - these are reserved for specific campsites.